FA Cup third round draw in full: Holders Crystal Palace given non-league trip, four all-Premier League ties

By Darren Plant | 08 Dec 2025 19:18, Last updated: 08 Dec 2025 19:24

FA Cup third round draw confirmed! Holders Palace given non-league trip, four all-PL ties

Holders Crystal Palace have been handed a trip to non-league Macclesfield FC in the FA Cup third round.

Oliver Glasner's side upset the odds in 2024-25 as they edged out Manchester City in the final, and the Eagles will be eager to defend their first-ever FA Cup trophy.

In a David-versus-Goliath tie, Palace will visit National League North outfit Macclesfield, who have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since they were reformed in 2020.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will make the trip to Portsmouth, while second-placed Man City are at home to Exeter City.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa square off in one of four all-Premier League ties, another being Manchester United at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Newcastle United play host to Bournemouth, while Everton will welcome Sunderland to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Liverpool have been provided with a tie versus Barnsley at Anfield, and Chelsea will make the short trip across London to take on Charlton Athletic.

Wrexham's home showdown with Nottingham Forest is another of the eye-catching games that will take place between Thursday January 8 and Monday, January 12.